Brussels, 26/05/2000 (Agence Europe) - Fuel cells will be the theme of a European research conference, organised on Monday and Tuesday in Brussels, with the participation of the research workers and industries concerned (Volkswagen, BMW, Daimler-Chrysler, Air Liquide, etc.) in the development of this technology considered revolutionary. In future, these fuel cells could provide the energy required for fixed plant or on board vehicles (passenger cars and buses). The system must make it possible to reduce noise and pollution. The conference will tackle the use of this technology in the transport and production of energy, as well as the development of scientific cooperation with the United States. A representative of the US Energy Department, Marvin Singer, will present the state of research of the United States. Discussion should also allow transatlantic partners to define with greater precision the sectors in which better cooperation could be developed. Commissioner Philippe Busquin will recall the contribution made by the framework programmes on research into fuel cells and will insist once more on the contribution that this kind of work makes to the creation of a European research area. Mr Busquin is convinced "we are making real progress on the way to a means of transport that combines the comfort of a normal car (or bus) with zero pollution". Furthermore, he welcomes good cooperation between the academic world and European industry in this sector.
The conference will be completed by the presentation of two cars and two buses that work with fuel cells. These include the first prototype Mercedes series A using a hydrogen fuel cell, with a 400 km radius of autonomy. According to Daimler-Chrysler, this new technology should be competitive by 2003/2004.